The eclipse on August 21st was an event of the century, literally. The path of totality only happens once a century, and everyone was freaking out.
All across the country, towns flooded with hopeful eclipse-watchers. Eclipse viewing glasses were sold out. Everyone’s snap story featured the new filter depicting the moon eking its way in front of the sun. Some schools closed. Businesses cashed in on the event — one bank in the Smoking Mountains even handed out Moon Pies, glow-in-the-dark tattoos, and stress balls shaped like moon rocks to customers who came in during the event.
But if you missed out on all the excitement, don’t feel too bad. We’ve got you covered. On April 8th, 2024, we should be getting another equally as exciting eclipse. According to The Verge:
The next total solar eclipse to cross the United States will take place in fewer than seven years. This eclipse will also be visible from Mexico and a tiny slice of Canada. Seven years isn’t too far ahead to start planning for it.
Well in case you want to start some early planning, where is what the 2024 eclipse’s path will look like:
So if you want the full experience, consider a family vacation to somewhere along this path. Or, if you’re lucky, it was pass conveniently over your house.
Most importantly, however, you should prepare your viewing gear. Looking at the sun directly will blind you, so if you don’t already own viewing glasses, you need to construct a pinhole projector for safe viewing. Watch this instructional video from the Wall Street Journal to learn more. Here’s a diagram from USA Today explaining how to make a pinhole projector:
If you missed this past eclipse, never fear. With our adequate warning you have seven years to stake out a nice viewing spot and create these nifty pinhole projectors for your whole family, or maybe your neighborhood.